Fitting method for a custom made putter

ABSTRACT

A fitting method used to create a custom made putter includes determining the directional aiming tendency of the individual golfer, determining the club shaft length suited to the individual golfers and determining the lie angle between the putter shaft and the putter head suited to the individual golfer.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/789,164, filed Jan. 24, 1997.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention pertains to golf putters; more particularlythe present invention pertains to a fitting method to provide input forthe manufacture of a custom made putter to suit the physiology of anindividual golfer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There are three basic factors which impact the way a golfer puttsa golf ball. These three basic factors are: (i) the physiology of thegolfer's body, (ii) the psychology of the golfer's approach to putting,and (iii) the putter itself. Each of these three factors is interrelatedto the other two factors.

[0004] Included in the physiology of the golfer's body are the golfer'sskeletal and muscular structure, the golfer's eye-hand coordination, andthe golfer's hearing.

[0005] Included in the psychology of the golfer's approach to puttinggolf includes the golfer's conscious and subconscious approach to movinga putter in such a way that the golfer's putting stroke imparts motionto a stationary golf ball across a green in a direction toward the holeon a golf course.

[0006] Finally, the dimensions and geometric relationships included inthe specifications describing a putter make up the putter itself. It isthe putter which implements the physiological and psychological aspectsof hitting a golf ball.

[0007] A more detailed explanation of the physiological, psychologicaland putter factors associated with hitting a golf ball appear in theparagraphs which follow.

Physiology of the Golfer's Body

[0008] Skeletal and Muscular Structure—The skeletal size of a golfer'sbody (height, length of arms, width of shoulders, etc.) impacts theshape of a golfer's putting stroke. Each golfer's putting stroke is asunique and personal as his/her finger print. Similarly, the size andstrength of a golfer's muscles can have a major impact on the geometryof a golfer's putting stroke.

[0009] Eye-Hand Coordination—The ability of a golfer to visuallydetermine the location of the hole with respect to the location of thegolf ball and then to properly move his/her arms and hands to aim thestroke of a putter so that the golf ball moves across the green towardthe hole is a function of the eye-hand coordination of each individualgolfer. Four factors affect the visual component of eye-handcoordination: (a) far sightedness, (b) near sightedness, (c) left eyedominance and (d) right eye dominance. Each one of these four factors ora combination of distance and directional factors will have asignificant effect on the golfer's visual perception of the location ofthe hole—specifically, where the golfer believes he/she should aim thegolf ball.

[0010] While the hole itself never moves on the green, the factors whichimpact on the vision of a human being may actually cause the visualperception of the location of a hole to a golfer to be different thanits actual location on the green. In other words, the hole is notexactly where the golfer's eyes perceive that it is located.

[0011] Sound—The golfer's hearing or the ability to perceive the soundmade by the striking face portion of the putter's club head as it hitsthe golf ball contribute to the feedback a golfer gets from the putter.The sound of a putter's head hitting a golf ball together with thegolfer's visual picture of the head of a putter striking the golf balland the impact forces transmitted from the putter's head up the shaft tothe golfer's hands to provide the “feel” associated with a particularputter. In golf, as in any other sport, golfers seek to replicate the“feel” of a successful putting stroke from their putter each time thatthey play.

Psychology of the Golfer's Approach to Putting

[0012] The conscious approach of a golfer to the striking of astationary golf ball to move it toward a hole on a golf course includesthe golfer's many conscious thoughts such as: the assessment of the golfcourse's landscape which surrounds the green, the read of the slope andlength of the green, the golfer's personal adjustment of the position ofthe putter's head with respect to the golf ball, and the triggering ofthe right muscle memory to move the putter along the path necessary tomake the golf ball travel along a selected target line from its positionof rest toward the hole.

[0013] The subconscious approach of a golfer to the movement of a putterto properly strike a stationary golf ball includes the underlyingability to envision the golf ball traveling along the target line to thehole, the ability to position one's body and hands to adjust theposition of the putter's head's striking face to aim the putt toward thehole, and the ability to adjust the force with which the golf ball isstruck to achieve the desired travel distance. The effect of thesubconscious mind on a golfer's putting stroke may even cause the golferto adjust those changes made in the golfer's conscious approach tostriking a stationary golf ball. For example, some professional golfershave learned that successful putts are made by aiming for either theright edge or left edge of the hole. After a while, aiming to one edgeof a hole or the other no longer becomes a conscious choice; rather itbecomes part of the subconscious approach a professional golfer uses toline up a putt.

The Putter Itself

[0014] The specifications describing a putter include (from top tobottom):

[0015] 1. Grip type and size

[0016] 2. Shaft length

[0017] 3. Hosel length

[0018] 4. Club head:

[0019] a. Size and design

[0020] b. Material

[0021] c. Lie angle

[0022] d. Loft angle

[0023] e. Offset

[0024] f. Balance

[0025] The specifications of a putter are particularly important as manygolf teaching professionals believe that individual golfers candramatically improve their golf score if the golfer's putter is custommade to fit the size, the structure, and the strength of the golfer'sbody. Because each person's golf swing and physical capabilities areunique, custom made putters can maximize the effectiveness andefficiency of each golfer's unique putting stroke and physicalcapabilities. In general terms, maximizing the performance of anindividual golfer can be obtained, in part, by adjusting the length ofthe putter's shaft and further by adjusting the spatial and geometricinter-relationships between the ball-striking surface on putter's headwith respect to the putter's shaft. For many years, putter manufacturersmade putters having only a predetermined shaft length, lie angle, andball-striking face loft angle. It was then up to the individual golferto make subtle conscious and subconscious changes to his/her puttingstroke to use these prior art putters to properly direct the golf balltoward the hole.

[0026] Despite the many years that the game of golf has been played,many putter manufacturers have not thoroughly understood the complexspatial and geometric inter-relationships between the striking faceportion of the putter's head and the putter's shaft. The next fewparagraphs will lay the foundation for an understanding of these complexspacial and geometric inter-relationships. This understanding isnecessary to more fully appreciate the fitting method for a custom madeputter of the present invention.

The Parts of a Putter

[0027] 1. Grip type and size. The grip on the top of the shaft whichcontacts the golfer's hands is typically a rubber, leather, cork orplastic cover designed to fit securely over the uppermost end of theclub shaft. Most putter grips include a flat surface. Golfers use theflat surface on the grip to orient the placement of their hands on thegrip. Most golfers prefer the flat surface to be on the top of theputter's shaft so that it is oriented in a plane perpendicular to thestriking face portion of the putter's head. A smaller number of golfersprefer an alternative placement of the flat surface. The diameter of agrip should be such that the golfer's fingers may comfortably wraparound that portion the grip to hold the putter securely while thegolfer's body is properly positioned for a putting stroke. Thus, agolfer with small hands will use a smaller diameter grip and a golferwith large hands will use a large diameter grip.

[0028] 2. Shaft length. The shaft is the second major portion of theputter. A putter's shaft is typically a hollow metal tube. The shaft mayalso be solid. For example, in recent years solid putter shafts havebeen made from graphite. It is the adjustment of the length of the shaftportion of a putter which is primarily used to fit the putter to theheight of an individual golfer.

[0029] 3. Hosel length. At the bottom of the putter's shaft is thehosel. The hosel connects the bottom of the putter's shaft to theputter's head. A particular design for a hosel is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 5,275,409 which is included herein by reference. The bottom of theclub shaft may either be received in the top of the hosel or the top ofthe hosel may be inserted into the hollow interior of the putter'sshaft. Alternatively, an interconnecting insert piece may be inserted inthe top of the hosel and also into the hollow portion of the club shaft.Some golfers prefer a short hosel, while others prefer a long hosel. Thehosel length affects the golfer's visual perception of the putter's headwhen it is lined up against a stationary golf ball in preparation for aputting stroke.

[0030] 4. Club head. At the lower end of the hosel is the putter's head.The putter's head includes a ball-striking face and a portion behind theball-striking face to both support the ball-striking face and giveweight to the putter's head. The angular orientation of theball-striking face as it strikes a stationary golf ball determines theextent of vertical force imparted to the golf ball and thus the golfball's lift off the green. The club head design of a putter may be ablade, a perimeter or heel-toe weighted club head, or a mallet styleclub head.

[0031] The material from which a putter's head is made imparts a certain“feel” to a putter as well as a distinctive sound on the impact of theball-striking face with a stationary golf ball. As previously indicated,the feel of a putter is a significant part of the golfer's ability toproperly hit the golf ball in a desired direction to the desireddistance.

[0032] Further, the visual picture of the alignment of the putter's headwith the golf ball is a significant contributing factor to the way agolfer positions the club head to aim his/her putt.

[0033] Having now generally described the parts of a putter, a stillfurther understanding of the fitting method and portable golf clubcustomizing system of the present invention may be had by describing thevarious spatial and geometric adjustments which can be made to a putterto suit the body size, the body structure and the eye-hand coordinationof an individual golfer. Because of the importance of the complexinter-relationships of some of the foregoing parts of a putter, one toanother, these interrelationships will be explained in greater detail inthe following paragraphs.

Shaft Length Over the Putter Head

[0034] The most basic spatial relationship is the length of the putter'sshaft over the putter's head. The length of the putter's shaftdetermines the position of the golfer's body when making a puttingstroke. Proper positioning of a golfer's body is essential to making thegolf ball travel the desired distance along the target line to the hole.

The Offset of the Ball-striking Face Portion of the Putter Head From theLong Axis of the Shaft

[0035] The second spatial relationship between a putter's head and aputter's shaft is offset distance. The offset distance is the distancebetween the plane of the ball-striking face portion of a putter's headand an extension of the long axis of the putter's shaft. Shownspecifically, in FIG. 2A, is a putter 100 having no offset distance.Therein it will be seen that the front edge of the hosel 102 iseffectively parallel with the striking face 104 of the putter's head106.

[0036] A slight offset 112 is shown in FIG. 2B. Therein it may be seenthat an extension of the long axis 110 of the putter's shaft 118 isslightly ahead of the ball-striking face 104 of the putter's head 106.Further, in FIG. 2C, a even larger offset 114 is shown. The offsetdistance determines how the golfer aligns his visual picture of the golfball 1000 with the striking face portion of the putter's head. Thisalignment has a significant effect on a golfer's putting stroke.

[0037] In addition to adjusting the visual picture of the putter's head106 hitting the golf ball 1000, the size of the offset distance has adirect correlation to the size of the “sweet spot” on the striking face104 of the putter's head 106. The “sweet spot” is the center of gravityof a putter's head in the toe-heel direction. As the offset distanceincreases, so does the size of the sweet spot. Thus, the larger the sizeof the sweet spot, the more stable the putter is when the ball contactpoint on the striking face portion of the putter's head 106 is away fromthe actual center of the sweet spot.

The Angle Between the Shaft and the Putter Head (Lie Angle)

[0038] In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the effect of the lie angle is shown.Specifically, in FIG. 3A, a putter's head 106 is shown wherein the lieangle needs to be decreased or flattened in order for the bottom surface116 or more specifically the toe 118 of the putter's head 106 to becloser to the ground. In FIG. 3B is shown the opposite condition.Therein the lie angle bend must be increased in order for the heel 120of the putter's head to be closer to the ground. While the standard lieangle bend is approximately 72°, the proper lie angle for an individualgolfer depends both on the distance that the golfer stands from the golfball 1000, the golfer's body position, and the golfer's arm and handposition. This distance, body position and arm and hand position allaffect the golfer's visual picture of the intersection of the putter'shead 106 with the golf ball 1000 just as the offset distance affects thegolfer's visual picture of the intersection of the putter's head 106 andthe golf ball 1000.

The Angle of the Striking Face Portion of the Putter Head Off Vertical(Loft Angle)

[0039] When the striking face 104 portion of a putter's head 106 hits agolf ball 1000 it should both slightly lift the golf ball 1000 with avertical force component and impart translational force to the golf ball1000 with a horizontal force component to move the golf ball 1000 closerto the hole. In putters, the ideal lift or loft angle is 2° to 4°. Whena stationary golf ball 1000 is struck by the striking face 104 portionof the putter's head 106, which is angled between 2° to 4°, enoughvertical force is imparted to the golf ball 1000 to lift it from thegrass yet enough translational force is imparted to the golf ball 1000to cause it to roll across the green toward the hole. This idealcondition is shown in FIG. 4A. Unfortunately, the spatial relationshipbetween the putter's shaft 118 and the putter's head 106 caused by theposture of a golfer can have a dramatic effect on the loft angle of onthe ball-striking face 104 portion of a putter's head 106 as it contactsthe ball 1000. In FIG. 4B is shown a situation where the spatialrelationship between the putter's shaft 118 and the putter's head 106 isa result of a rear press by a golfer. A rear press causes the actualloft angle to increase to 6° or more when the golf ball is hit. In FIG.4C the opposite condition is shown. By an improper spatial relationshipbetween the putter's shaft 118 and the putter's head 106, as a result ofa forward press of a golfer, the loft angle has been decreased to 0° oreven to a negative angle when the ball-striking face contacts thestationary golf ball 1000.

The Balance of the Putter Head Off Horizontal

[0040] If one were to place a finger at the point of balance on aputter's shaft 118 so that the weight of the shaft 118 and grip on oneside of the balance point were effectively equal to the weight of theputter's head 106 and shaft 118 on the other side of the balance point,the putter's head 106 would turn and seek its own angular balanceorientation with respect to the long axis 110 the shaft 118. Forexample, if the toe of the putter head 106 drops down, this is calledtoe-heavy balance. If the toe of the putter's head rotates upward, thisis called heel-heavy balance. If the face 104 of the putter's head 106remains horizontal this is called face balance. The balance orientationof the putter's head 106 with respect to the long axis of the putter'sshaft 118 is particularly important for a golfer that has a deceleratingputting stroke. For example, if the golfer's swing decelerates theputter's head 106 will tend to follow its heaviest part. A toe heavybalanced putter's head 106 will tend to follow the toe of the putter'shead 106 and thereby change the angle at which the ball-striking face104 of the putter's head 106 hits the stationary golf ball 1000.Similarly, a heel-heavy balanced putter's head 106 will tend to followthe heel of the putter's head 106 and change the angle at which theball-striking face 104 hits a stationary golf ball 1000.

Existing Custom Made Putters

[0041] Unfortunately, in most commonly available prior art putters, itis usually impossible to precisely adjust the complex spatial andgeometric relationships of the putter's head 106 with respect to theputter's shaft 118. Thus the golfer using these prior art putters mustlearn to modify the position of his/her body and his/her grip to adaptto the putter.

[0042] Some golfers elect to have their putters specially made to suittheir putting stroke and style of play. Quite often these golfers arelooking for a certain feel rather than for a correction in the spatialand geometric relationships of the putter's head to the putter's shaftto correct for their personal physiology, particularly, their eye-handcoordination. However, when these prior art, specially made, putters arefirst provided to the golfer the need often arises to make specialadjustments or “fine tune” the putter to give the custom made putter abetter feel which many golfers believe is the key to maximumperformance. Accordingly, the specially made putter must be returned tothe factory for adjustment or entirely remade. If the adjustments areincorrect or the adjustments affect other parts of the complexinter-relationships of the spatial and geometric aspects of putterdesign, the custom made putter may once again have to be returned to thefactory to suit the tastes of the individual golfer.

[0043] None of the prior art customizing systems have attempted toadjust the spatial relationship of the striking face of the putter'shead to the long axis of the putter's shaft to correct for any problemsin the golfer's personal physiology, particularly eye-hand coordination.Nor have any prior art customizing systems sought to provide a portablesystem where a custom made putter suited to an individual golfer'sphysiology can be fabricated right on the golf course.

The Need in the Art

[0044] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,409, an improved hosel system is disclosedfor use in golf clubs. This improved hosel system for making a customgolf club allowed the angular relationship of the putter's head to theputter's shaft to be easily and accurately adjusted. While this hoselsystem dramatically improved the feel of the putter in the golfer'shands when hitting a golf ball, it was also found that the disclosedhosel could be bent to customize the spatial and geometric relationshipof the putter's head with respect to the putter's shaft. The needremained, however, to find a method to properly fit a putter to thephysiology of an individual golfer.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0045] A system for properly fitting a putter to the physiology of anindividual golfer includes fitting the four basic components of aputter: the grip, the shaft,; the hosel; and the putter's head—to anindividual golfer. The present invention focuses primarily on matchingthe four basic components of a putter to the unique physiology of anindividual golfer. In addition, the present invention includesdetermining how to bend the hosel to adjust the offset distance of theball-striking face of the putter's head from the long axis of theputter's shaft, to adjust the lie angle between the long axis of theputter's shaft and the putter's head, to adjust the loft angle of theball-striking face of the putter's head, and to adjust the rotationalbalance of the putter's head about the long axis of the putter's shaft.

[0046] Further, the fitting method of the present invention includes anassessment of the individual physiology of a golfer by first using anaiming device and second using an adjustable fitting putter. Thisassessment of the individual golfer's physiology is then used with aportable system for creating a custom made putter right on the golfcourse. The portable putter customizing system includes a vise whichboth secures the head of the putter in a known orientation and allowsfor custom bending of the hosel which mounts the putter's shaft to theputter's head.

[0047] The putter is customized by first imparting an offset distancebend in the hosel. Second, a lie angle bend is formed in the hosel. Ifdesired, a loft angle bend may also be placed in the hosel. Anadjustment may also be made to impart the proper balance in the putter'shead. Once the necessary bends have been made in the hosel, the putter'sshaft is cut to length and a grip is placed thereon. The putter is nowready for use by a golfer. However, if desired, the putter can bereturned to the vise on the portable putter customizing system and “finetuning” adjustments can be made to assure that the putter is exactlywhat the golfer needs to optimize the fit of the custom made putter tothe physiology of an individual golfer. All bending and cuttingadjustments can be done directly on the green so the golfer can try outhis custom made putter under actual playing conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0048] A better understanding of the fitting method for a custom madeputter of the present invention may be had by reference to the figureswherein:

[0049]FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of the portable golf clubcustomizing system used to create the custom made putter of the presentinvention;

[0050]FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the portable golf clubcustomizing system shown in FIG. 1;

[0051]FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are top plan views of various putter headoffset distances with respect to the center line of a putter's shaft;

[0052]FIGS. 3A and 3B are rear elevational views of a putter showing itsrelationship to the ground with an improper lie angle bend;

[0053]FIG. 4A is a side elevational view of a putter having the properloft angle;

[0054]FIG. 4B is a side elevational view of a putter having too large aloft angle;

[0055]FIG. 4C is a side elevational view of a putter having too small aloft angle;

[0056]FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the hosel bending vise;

[0057]FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the hosel bending vise;

[0058]FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7 C are perspective views of the chucking blocksused to hold various styles of putter heads in the hosel bending vise;

[0059]FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the fitting putter used fordetermining the lie angle and the shaft length for an individual golfer;

[0060]FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the hosel bending vise withthe fitting putter positioned therein;

[0061]FIG. 10 is chart of settings used for adjusting the balance of theball-striking face of the putter's head;

[0062]FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the hosel bending viseshowing the initial location of the putter's head of the putter to becustomized;

[0063]FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the hosel bending vise showingthe position of the bending pins after the completion of the clearancebend;

[0064]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the operative end of the bendingtool;

[0065]FIG. 14A and 14 B are perspective views, in partial section, ofthe engagement of the hosel with the putter's shaft;

[0066]FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the hosel bending vise justprior to the initiation of the bend which establishes the offsetdistance;

[0067]FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the hosel bending viseafter completion of the lie angle bend;

[0068]FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the hosel bending viseshowing the adjustment of the loft angle;

[0069]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the system used for holding theshaft of the putter, for sizing the length of the shaft, and placing thegrip on the end of the shaft.

[0070]FIG. 19 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 18 with the putterinserted in the shaft engagement vise;

[0071]FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the shaft engagement vise;

[0072]FIG. 21A is a perspective view of the putter's shaft showing theapplication of the double sided tape;

[0073]FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the putter's shaft showing theinstallation of the hand grip;

[0074]FIG. 22A is a left side elevational view of the laser aimingdevice;

[0075]FIG. 22B is a bottom plan view of the laser aiming device; and

[0076]FIG. 22C is a top plan view of the laster aiming device.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0077] It has been found from hundreds of custom fittings of puttersthat the actual aim of the ball-striking face portion of a putter's headby the overwhelming majority of golfers is not such that a golf ballwill move directly along the target line or the straight imaginary linedrawn between the golf ball and the hole. This inability to accuratelyposition the ball-striking face of a golf club to make contact with astationary golf ball to cause the golf ball to travel along the targetline is due, in part, to the visual component of a golfer's eye-handcoordination. The visual component of a golfer's eye-hand coordinationresults from a combination of far/near sightedness and left/right eyedomination. Thus, while the golfer's hands will properly respond to whatthe golfer's eyes see, this response will be improper because thegolfer's eyes are not seeing the hole in its true position on the golfcourse. As a result, the individual golfer either: (a) consistentlymisses puts to the right or to the left according to their individualvision, or (b) develops a compensating movement in their aim or in theirputting stroke which actually directs the golf ball toward the actualtarget—which is away from the target perceived by the golfer's eyes.

[0078] Consistently missing putts to the right or to the left is themost common problem of infrequent golfers. Unfortunately, infrequentgolfers do not get enough playing time to see the development of aconsistent miss pattern. Those who play golf on a more regular scheduleeither consciously misaim the golf ball or subconsciously adjust theirputting stroke to correct for their visual misperception of the truelocation of the hole on a golf course. Even in putts as short as 10feet, the effect of far/near sightedness and left/right eye dominancebecomes readily apparent.

[0079] In general, a left aiming golfer perceives the hole left of itstrue location. The spatial and geometric adjustment of the alignment ofthe putter's head to the putter's shaft to correct for this visioncharacteristic is greater offset distance and greater loft angle. Byincreasing the offset distance and the loft angle of the ball strikingface portion of a putter's head, the golfer perceives that the ballstriking face of the putter is closed or aimed in a direction betweenthe target line and the golfer. The golfer's subconscious will make theappropriate correction and aim the striking face portion of the putter'shead on the target line. The degree of directional alignment correctionis determined by the size of the offset distance and the loft angleadded to the striking face portion of the club head.

[0080] In general, a right aiming golfer perceives the hole farther awaythan it actually is and right of its actual location. The correction forthis vision characteristic can be achieved by the reducing both theoffset distance and the loft angle. By reducing both the offset distance(and in extreme cases creating onset) and the loft angle of theball-striking face portion of the putter's head, it creates the opticalillusion for the golfer that the putter face is open or aiming away fromthe target line. The golfer's subconscious mind will make theappropriate corrections and aim the putter on the target line. Thedegree of the correction is determined by the degree of the reduction ofoffset distance and loft angle.

Putter Fitting Method

[0081] The putter fitting method of the present invention is describedaccording to its use for custom fitting a putter to an individualgolfer.

[0082] Step 1: Observation of the Individual Golfer's Position, Aim andStroke

[0083] Observe the individual golfer make several putts with his/herputter or a putter with standard specifications. The following specificputting stroke characteristics are to be specifically noted.

[0084] A. Aim—using an alignment aid such as the laser sighting devicedescribed below, determine where the individual golfer is directionally(left or right) aiming the golf ball with respect to the target line. Inmost cases, an imaginary straight line drawn perpendicular to theball-striking face of the putter's head as positioned by an individualgolfer will fall either to the left or to the right of the true targetline to the hole, even if the golfer is only 10 feet away from the hole.This directional deviation away from the target line is caused by thenatural tendency of human beings to be either left eye or right eyedominant.

[0085] B. Stroke—observe the shape of the stroke and the travel path ofthe putter's head with respect to the target line between the hole andthe golf ball. One of three basic strokes paths may be observed becauseof the natural tendency of human beings to move the head portion of aputter club along a large arcuate path.

[0086] 1. Beginning at a position outside an extension of the targetline behind the golf ball and ending at a position inside the targetline in front of the golf ball.

[0087] 2. Beginning at a position behind the golf ball inside the targetline and ending at a position outside the target line in front of thegolf ball.

[0088] 3. Beginning at a position inside the target line behind the golfball coming to a position which is square with the golf ball at thepoint of impact and ending at a position inside the target line.

[0089] C. Ball Position—Observe the distance of the golf ball withrespect to the individual golfer's toe line while the golfer is settingup for the putt.

[0090] Step 2: Static Fit the Putter

[0091] A. Choose a putter head design. Though model selection is verypersonal, there are certain characteristics to each model which maycompliment an individual golfer's style. The objective is to offer avariety of designs which are classified into one of the three basicstyles to compliment an individuals' golfers style and a preference. Ablade style putter head has a very sold feel, a simple traditional lookand toe balance.

[0092] A perimeter or heel-toe weighted putter head typically includesadded weights on the heel and the toe portions of the putter's headwhich gives it a unique look and a very solid feel.

[0093] A mallet head offers a very unique feel, a large visiblealignment aid and a larger mass.

[0094] B. Choose a putter head material. Putter heads are manufacturedfrom various materials such as steel, copper, aluminum, brass, bronze,and polymers. Each material provides its own unique feel, look, andsound when the ball-striking face portion of the putter's head hits thestationary golf ball. For many golfers this unique feel will determinethe material to be used in the putter's head. The objective is to selecta material which responds best with an individual's senses of feel,look, and sound.

[0095] C. Select a grip type and size. The golfer's hands contact theputter at the grip. Golfers with small hands may prefer a small diametergrip. The opposite may be true for golfers with larger hands. Some likea smooth gripping surface. Still others prefer a roughened grippingsurface. Most grips include a flat surface to assist the golfer withaligning the ball-striking face in a plane perpendicular to the targetline. Some golfers prefer this flat surface on the grip to be located onthe top of the putter's shaft while still others prefer it along theside. Finally, some golfers hold the grip at the top, other hold it inthe middle, and still others like to “choke up” and grab the grip at itsbottom.

[0096] D. Measure the shaft length and lie angle. Using an adjustablefitting putter 300 as shown in FIG. 8, the individual golfer shouldcomfortably position his/her body with respect to the golf ball. Theshaft length and the lie angle between the fitting putter's head and thefitting putter's shaft is measured by locking in the settings on theadjustable fitting putter 300. More details concerning the use of theadjustable fitting putter 300 appear in the following paragraph.

[0097] Once a proper stance and position with respect to the golf ballhave been achieved for an individual golfer, the best shaft length forthe individual golfer and the best lie angle between the fittingputter's head 306 and the fitting putter's shaft 318 for the individualgolfer are measured by locking in settings on an adjustable fittingputter 300. Lie angle and shaft length are interdependent. By using theadjustable fitting putter 300, it is easy to determine the best lengthof the putter's shaft 318 for an individual golfer. For example, somegolfers want to have their arms fully extended and eyes over the golfball. Others may want their arms bent and their eyes slightly in frontof the golf ball. Still other golfers may assume a special stance toprotect a bad back, a bad shoulder, or correct for some otherphysiological condition. Once the best length of the golf club shaft 318has been determined, the bottom of the golf club head 304 is moved sothat it is horizontally flat. This sets the lie angle between thefitting putter's shaft 318 and the fitting putter's head 304. By using afitting putter 300 with an adjustable telescoping section 390 and anadjustable lie angle section 395, it is possible to obtain measurementsof what geometry of a putter best suits an individual golfer.

[0098] Once the foregoing observations and measurements have been made,it is now possible to construct a custom made putter for an individualgolfer using the portable putter customizing system described below.

The Portable Putter Customizing System—In General

[0099] A better general understanding of the putter fitting method ofthe present invention may be had by first referencing FIGS. 1A and 1B.Therein it may be seen that the golf club customizing system 10 which isused to create custom made putters includes a portable rollable cart 200in which a variety of combinations putter heads, hosels and shafts 202are contained in storage sleeves 201. Additionally, there is a place 204for storing various types of grips 206. On top of the cart 200 is a vise11 for bending the hosel portion 102 of the putter 100 and a system 800for holding the shaft of the putter while it is cut to length. On theopposite end of the cart 200 is a small tool tray 208 in which thevarious tools needed for operation of the system 10 may be located. Alsoincluded in the system 10 is a fitting putter 300 (FIG. 8) which is usedfor obtaining the starting measurements necessary to custom fit a putter100 to a particular golfer.

Construction of the Bending Vice

[0100] Shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the golf clubhosel bending vise 11. Note that the hosel bending vise 11 is builtabove a base plate 12. The base plate 12 provides the mounting for thetwo sliding block assemblies 30, 50 which impart the offset distancebend and the lie angle bend into the hosel 102 of the golf club 100.

[0101] Formed just above the base plate 12, in front of the bendingsystems 30, 50 is the mounting space portion 16 of the clamping system20 in which the putter's head 106 is securely positioned to enable theaccurate bending of the hosel 102. To assure proper positioning of theputter's head 106 in the mounting space 16, an abutment plate 21 isprovided. The toe 118 of the putter's head 106 is placed in contact withthe abutment plate 21. The ball-striking face 104 portion of theputter's head 106 engages an angled face 22. In the preferredembodiment, the angle of this surface is 3½° which matches the angle ofthe ball-striking surface 104 of the putter's head 106.

[0102] After the toe 118 of the putter's head 106 engages the abutmentplate and the ball-striking face 104 portion of the putter's head 106 isin contact with the angled surface 22 a chucking block 23, as shown inFIGS. 7A, 7 B and 7 C is placed against the rear surface 120 of theputter's head 106. The chucking blocks 23, 23′ and 23″ includes aspecially designed recess 24, 24′ and 24″ to accommodate correspondingtypes of putter heads. On the back of the clucking block 23, 23′ and 23″is a circular bore 25, 25′ and 25″ which is sized to engage the end 26of a threaded rod 27.

[0103] Once a chucking block 23, 23′ and 23″ has been placed behind theputter's head 106 the end 26 of the threaded rod 27 is moved intocontact with the back of the chucking block 23, 23′ and 23″ by turningit through internally threaded stationary block 29. The hosel portion102 of the putter 106 is now in a position where it can be accuratelybent to custom fit a golf club to an individual golfer.

[0104] Recall that offset distance is the result of a bend in the hosel102 which places an extension of the long axis 110 of the putter's shaft118 a short distance in front of the plane of the ball-striking surface104 portion of the putter's head 106. The offset bend sliding blockassembly 30 is slidably mounted on the base plate 12. The offset bendsliding block assembly 30 is positioned by reference to a scale 48formed on a base block 49 which is mounted on the base plate 12. Thescale 48 provides the ability to measure the putter's hosel bending vice11 for various offset bend angles. A recording of the offset distancebend angle settings for an individual golfer or any of the othermeasurements described herein will enable the duplication of any putterwhen the customized putter has been lost or damaged.

[0105] The sliding block portion 34 of the offset bend sliding blockassembly 30 is moved along path 32 by turning a knob 44 which isattached to a threaded rod 42. The threaded rod 42 passes through athreaded hole in a stationary block 46 which is affixed to the baseblock 49. The sliding block portion 34 is then locked in position bytightening a cap screw 40 which threadably engages the base block 49.Tightening of the cap screw 40 assures that the sliding block portion 34of the offset bend sliding block portion 34 is a first pin 38. It is thefirst pin 38 which provides the surface against which the hosel 102 ofthe putter 100 is bent to place an offset distance in the putter 100between the long axis 110 of the shaft 118 and the striking face 104portion of the putter head 106. If a short hosel 102 is used the pin 38is placed in a lower pinhole 37.

[0106] By turning a knob 64, a threaded rod is caused to pass through aninternally threaded hole in a stationary block 63. The stationary block63 is affixed to the base block 49. The turning of the knob 64 causesthe lie angle bend sliding block 54 to move along a path 52 over thebase block 49. Positioning of the lie angle sliding block 54 isaccomplished by reference to a scale 68 formed on the base block 49. Abending surface is provided by a second pin 58 which passes through apinhole 56 in the lie angle sliding block 54. For short hosels 102 alower pinhole 57 is also provided. A cap screw 60 is used to hold thelie angle sliding block 54 against the base block 49.

[0107] An extended angular gauge bar 70 projects upwardly from the lieangle sliding block 54. The extended angular gauge bar 70 is used tomeasure the proper bending of the putter's hosel 102 to thepredetermined lie angle bend. At the bottom of the angular gauge bar 70is a pointer 72 which is positioned near an arcuate scale 74. Theangular gauge bar 70 is locked in position by tightening a threadedfastener 76 which passes through a hole formed in the angular gauge bar70 and an ear 78 which extends upwardly from the lie angle sliding block54.

[0108] The actual manufacture of a custom made putter is described inthe paragraphs which follow.

[0109] Based upon the measured directional aiming tendency (either tothe right or to the left) of the individual golfer determined by using alaser sighting device such as the one described below, the putter'shosel is bent for the appropriate offset distance and loft angle. Offsetdistance and loft angle are added for left aim tendencies, offsetdistance and loft angle are reduced for right aim tendencies. The exactsize of the lie angle is determined by placing the fitting putter 300 inthe bending vice 11 as shown in FIG. 9. By placing the toe 318 of thefitting putter's head 306 against the abutment plate 21, the angulargauge bar 70 can be moved so that it is parallel with the shaft 318 ofthe fitting putter 300. The position of the pointer 72 at the end of theangular gauge bar 70 against the arcuate scale 74 provides a reading ofthe size of the lie angle. The difference of the measured lie angle fromthe standard 72° is used to enter the chart 700 shown in FIG. 10 whoseuse will be explained below.

[0110] Next, the adjustment for the proper balance of the putter's headis determined. Specifically, some golfers may want the head 106 of theirputter 100 to be face balanced, toe balanced or heel balanced. Mostgolfers prefer a face balanced putter head. With a face balanced putterhead, there is equal distribution of weight on either side of the sweetspot. Because of the complex inter-relationships of putter head balanceand loft angle, the face balance chart 700 shown in FIG. 10 is used. Todetermine a setting for the lie angle sliding block 54 against the scale63, the lie angle determined from the reading on the arcuate scale 74,as previously explained, and the type of putter head and hoselcombination are used to enter the face balance chart 700 shown in FIG.10. The number extracted from the fact balance chart 700 is set on thebending vise II by moving the lie angle sliding block 54.

[0111] The shaft length for the putter to be customized is determined bymatching up the length of the uncut shaft to the length of the shaftmeasured by the fitting putter. The shaft of the golf club beingcustomized is marked so that it may be cut to the proper length usingthe length sizing equipment 800 on top of the cart 200.

[0112] The golfer's preferred grip is then affixed to the end of theputter's shaft. The type, size, and orientation of the grip should bedetermined by whatever provides the most comfortable feel to the golferand the least amount of tension in the muscles of the golfer's hand andforearms.

[0113] The following detailed operational steps will provide a stillbetter understanding of how the custom made putter may be customizedusing the portable putter customizing system.

[0114] First, the cap screw 40 is loosened. By turning the adjustmentknob 44, the offset bend sliding block 34 is moved to impart thenecessary bend in the hosel 102 to obtain the desired offset distance.The standard offset distance is indicated on scale 48 as 0. Thepreferred offset distance is the top edge of the putter's head 106aligning with the long axis of 110 of the shaft 118. Each mark on thescale 48 represents a {fraction (1/16)}th inch change in offsetdistance. A total offset distance of ½ inch can be obtained. Once thedesired setting of the sliding block 34 is made with respect to thescale 48, the cap screw 40 is tightened.

[0115] The next step involves assuring that the lie angle gauge bar 70is at the desired angle. A standard lie angle is 72°. This standard lieangle is indicated on the arcuate guide scale 74 as 0. All other lieangle settings are represented as being degrees away from the standard72° angle.

[0116] The third step is to loosen the cap screw 60 which holds the lieangle sliding block 54 in place. Using the putter head balance chart700, it is then possible to determine the setting required to obtain thetype of club head balance preferred by a particular golfer. By using thechart 700 shown in FIG. 10, a gauge 68 setting is found for a facebalanced putter head. If the golfer desires a heel heavy putter head,the chart value is increased. By turning the adjustment knob 64, the lieangle sliding block 54 is moved to the desired setting against gauge 68and then tightened in position by turning the cap screw 60.

[0117] In the fourth step, the bending pins 38, 58 are inserted into theappropriate pin holes. It may be seen that there are two pin holes foreach of the two bending pins 38, 58. The top pin holes 36, 56 are forlong hosels. The bottom pinholes 37, 57 are for short hosels.

[0118] The fifth step is to insert the putter head 106 into the bendingvise 11. It is important that the ball-striking face 104 portion of theputter head 106 fits flush against the angle plate 22. The toe of theputter head 106 should contact the abutment plate 21.

[0119] The sixth step is to select the appropriate chucking block 23,23′, 23″ to place against the rear surface 120 of the putter head 106.As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7 B and 7 C the shape of the chucking block 23, 23and 23″ is dependent on the style of the putter head 106. By rotatingthe handle 28 the end of the threaded rod 27 is moved into the bore 25,25′, 25″ on the back of the chucking block 23, 23′, 23″. The club to becustomized is now in position for the bends to be made in the hosel 102.Proper placement of the putter head 106 in the vise 11 is shown in FIG.11.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 12A, the seventh step involves attaching abending tool 600 to the bottom of the shaft 118 and securing the bendingtool 600 to the putter's shaft 118. As shown in FIG. 13, the end of thebending tool 600 includes a first recessed plate 602 and a keeper plate604. A threaded rod 606 turned by a knob 608 into an internally threadedhole 610 in the first plate 602. The handle 614 which extends from thefirst plate 602 is used to impart force on the putter's shaft 118.

[0121] The recess 612 generally will fit loosely over the putter's shaft118. To avoid possible damage to the putter's shaft 118, the bendingtool 600 must be secured at the bottom of the putter's shaft 118, intowhich a solid insert from the hosel extends, as each bend is made. Tounderstand why the location of the bending tool 600 on the putter'sshaft 118 is important, reference is made to FIGS. 14A and 14B. In FIG.14A a short hosel 102′ is shown extending upwardly from a putter's head106. The upper portion 103′ of the hosel 102 extends into and is tightlyfit into the interior of the putter's shaft 118. In FIG. 14B a longhosel 102 is shown. To minimize the weight of the hosel 102, its upperportion 103 is shorter. An extension 105, formed of a lightweight metal,mates with the upper portion 103. When the bending tool 600 is in placeon the putter's shaft 118 it is important that the bending tool 60surround the upper portion of the hosel 103, 103′. Otherwise, when forceis placed on the handle 614, the putter's shaft 118 will crimp and theputter's shaft 118 will be ruined.

[0122] Referring back to FIG. 12A, a clearance bend is now made in thehosel by exerting force on the handle 614 which extends from the bendingtool 600. This clearance bend is necessary so that the bending pins 38,58 may be pushed through the pinholes 37, 57 until their ends touch.This is shown in FIG. 12B.

[0123] The ninth step involves imparting the offset bend into the hosel102. This is accomplished by bending the hosel 102 with the bending tool600 until the putter's shaft 118 is in a substantially vertical planewhich is parallel to the vertical plane of the angular gauge bar 70. Thebeginning of the offset bend is shown in FIG. 15. A completed offsetbend is shown in FIG. 12B.

[0124] The tenth step is to impart the lie angle bend into the hosel102. This is done by rotating the bending tool 600 on the bottom of theputter's shaft 118 so that the hosel 102 may be bent to an angle so thatthe angle of the putter's shaft 118 matches the angle of the angulargauge bar 70. This is shown in FIG. 16.

[0125] If a loft adjustment is needed, the hosel 102 is bent as shown inFIG. 17. Specifically, the putter's shaft 118 is bent slightly forwardor slightly backward to change the loft on the ball-striking face 104portion of the putter's head 106.

[0126] The customized golf club is now removed from the vise 11 andprovided to the golfer. Adjustments may be made by reinserting theputter's head 106 back into the hosel bending vice 11.

[0127] In the final steps, the shaft of the putter is cut to the desiredlength. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 the club head 106 is placed againsta stop 502 on the top surface of the cart 200. The face 104 of the clubhead is aligned by comparison with vertical lines 504 marked on the stop502. The shaft engagement vise 800 is used to secure the shaft 118 inposition to be cut to length.

[0128] The construction of the shaft engagement vise 800 is shown inFIG. 20. A base plate 802 is secured to the top of the cart 200 bythreaded fasteners 804. A pin 806 holds an eccentric cam 808 against thebase plate 802. When the handle 810 causes the eccentric cam 808 torotate, a first movable block 812 is moved toward a second stationaryblock 814. This compresses a flexible cradle 816 which may be made fromrubber or plastic. The flexible cradle 816 is attached to the base plate802 by threaded fasteners 818.

[0129] While the shaft 118 is secured in the shaft engagement vise 800the shaft 118 is cut to length using a commonly available tubing cuttingtool 400 as shown in FIG. 19. Next the grip 206 selected by the golferis removed from the selection of grips in the tray 204 and attached tothe end of the shaft 108. This is accomplished by applying double sidedtape 402 to the end of the putter's shaft 118 as shown in FIG. 20. Asshown in FIG. 21B the grip 206 is then slid over the double sided tape402 by using an evaporative solvent. When the solvent has evaporated,the grip 206 will be securely attached to the putter's shaft 118.

[0130] Once the custom made club has been made to accommodate theobservations and measurements of the individual golfer, the custom madeclub may be further “fine tuned” according to the following two steps:

[0131] A. Observe the golfer make several putts with the newly madecustom putter. Once again, use the laser sighting device (describedbelow) to determine the accuracy of the golfer's aim. Only small finetuning adjustments should be necessary to place the golfer's aimsquarely on the target line.

[0132] B. Observe the path of the golfer's putting stroke. Adjust thedistance between the toe line of the golfer's front foot and the golfball so that the putting stroke begins inside the target line, meets thegolf ball perpendicular to the target line and ends inside the targetline.

Laser Sighting Device

[0133] The laser sighting device 2000 depicted in FIGS. 22A, 22B, and22C provides a precise method of determining an individual's putter aimby projecting a laser light beam perpendicular to the ball-striking faceportion of the putter's head. A perfectly aimed putter would cause thelaser light beam to fall squarely on the target line or the imaginaryline between the golf ball and the hole.

[0134] The laser sighting device 2000 of the present invention includestwo parts.

[0135] The first part is a precisely milled body 2001 which can beplaced flush against the ball-striking face portion of the putter'shead. The second part is a laser light assembly 2002 which projects alaser beam perpendicular to the ball-striking face portion of theputter's head. The laser light assembly 2002 is calibrated for alignmentwith respect to the milled body 2001 using both horizontal and verticaladjustment screws 2028.

[0136] The laser sighting device 2000 has a pointed end 2004 and astraight end 2006. Connecting the pointed end 2004 to the straight end2006 is a body portion 2001 which has a top surface 2002 and a bottomsurface 2018. Formed near the straight end 2006 of the body portion 2001are two optional cutouts 2005 for ease of handling of the laser sightingdevice 2000. Along the top surface 2002 is a score mark 2008 which runsfrom the pointed end 2004 to the straight end 2006. Perpendicular to thetop surface 2002 of the laser sighting device 2000, at the straight end2006, is a ball-striking face mating surface 2010 which is constructedand arranged to be perpendicular to the score mark 2008 which is on thetop surface 2002 of the laser sighting device. Supporting the bodyportion 2001 is a rear leg 2012 and two middle legs 2014, 2016. Thethree legs 2012, 2014, 2016 provide a space between the bottom surface2018 of the laser sighting device 2000 and the surface upon which thelaser sighting device 2000 rests. In this space, a laser light assembly2022 is mounted. The laser light assembly 2022 is attached to the bottomof the laser sighting device 2000 by engagement of a laser mountingbracket 2024 at the rear of the laser light assembly 2022 with a lasermounting block 2020. The laser light assembly 2022 features an on/offswitch 2026 and adjustments 2028 for aiming the laser beam as it passesthrough aperture 2030 at the end of the laser light assembly 2022directed toward the pointed end 2004 of the laser sighting device 2000.

[0137] Once the laser sighting device 2000 has been placed against theball striking surface of the putter's head, the laser assembly 2022 isturned on by engagement of the on/off switch 2026. The laser light beampassing through the aperture 2030 will follow a path parallel to thescore mark 2008 on the top surface 2002 of the laser sighting device2000 and provide an indication to the golfer where a line projectedperpendicularly from the ball-striking face portion of the club headwill lie relative to a target such as a hole or a simulated hole. Byusing the laser sighting device 2000, the golfer or teachingprofessional will be able to determine how much the ability of thegolfer to aim a golf ball along the target line is affected by thegolfer's right eye or left eye dominance.

[0138] The following steps are used to determine the accuracy of agolfer's aim using the laser sighting device 2000. Step 1 - Choose arelatively flat surface on a putting green or, if inside, on a carpet.Place a background target just behind a hole or a simulated hole. Step2 - At a distance of approximately 10-15 feet away from the hole orsimulated hole, instruct the individual golfer to position his/herputter to direct a putt toward the hole or simulated hole. Step 3 - Oncethe ball-striking face of the putter is aligned to the golfer'ssatisfaction, secure the putter in place by stabilizing the putter'shead to prevent movement of the putter's head and replace the golf ballwith the laser sighting device. Square the laser sighting device to theball-striking face of the putter by placing its back edge flush againstthe ball-striking face of the putter. Step 4 - Turn the laser light onto obtain an indication of the individual golfer's aim. To obtain aprecise assessment of an individual golfer's aim, check the golfer's aimthree to four times without having the individual golfer view theresults. This prevents the individual golfer from making subconsciousdirectional aim compensating adjustments.

[0139] Accordingly, the present invention provides easy to use method bywhich the measurements for a custom made putter may be determined and acustom made putter may be manufactured and “fine tuned” to the specialneeds of an individual golfer without having to rely on the capabilitiesof a special factory. Thus, a better fit of a custom made putter to thephysiological needs of an individual golfer has been achieved and allwaiting time for a custom made putter has been virtually eliminated.

[0140] While the fitting method of the present invention has beendescribed according to its preferred and alternate embodiments, those ofordinary skill in the art will realize that other embodiments of themethod of the present invention have now been enabled. Such otherembodiments shall fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fitting method used to obtain measurementsnecessary create a custom made putter suited to the physiology of anindividual golfer, said fitting method comprising the steps of: a.determining if an individual golfer's aim is to the left or to the rightof a target line between the position of the ball and the hole; b.measuring the shaft length of a putter suited to the individual golfer;c. measuring the lie angle of a putter suited to the individual golfer.2. The fitting method as defined in claim 1 wherein: steps b. and c.include the use of an adjustable fitting putter.
 3. The fitting methodas defined in claim 1 wherein step a. includes the use of a laser aimingdevice;
 4. The fitting method as defined in claim 1 further including:d. checking the aim of the golfer with the custom made putter.
 5. Thefitting method as defined in claim 4 wherein step d. includes the use ofa laser aiming device.
 6. The fitting method as defined in claim 4further including: e. adjusting the position of the golfer's feet withrespect to the golf ball so that the golfer's putting stroke with saidcustom made putter begins between said target line and the golfer andends between said target line an the golfer.
 7. The fitting method asdefined in claim 6 further including: f. adjusting the offset of theball-striking face portion of the putter head from the long axis of theshaft.
 8. The fitting method as defined in claim 7 further including: g.adjusting the loft angle of the ball-striking face portion of the putterhead.
 9. The fitting method as defined in claim 8 further including: h.adjusting the balance of the putter head off horizontal.
 10. A fittingmethod used to create a custom made putter suited to the physiology ofan individual putter suited to the physiology of an individual golfer,said fitting method comprising the steps of: a. determining if anindividual golfer's aim is to the left or to the right of a target linebetween the position of the ball and the hole; b. measuring the shaftlength of a putter suited to the individual golfer; c. measuring the lieangle of a putter suited to the individual golfer. d. causing the golferto choose a club head design; e. causing the golfer to choose a clubhead material; f. causing the golfer to choose a grip type and size. 11.The fitting method as defined in claim 10 wherein steps b. and c.include the use of an adjustable fitting putter.
 12. The fitting methodas defined in claim 10 wherein step a. includes the use of a laseraiming device.
 13. The fitting method as defined in claim 10 furtherincluding: g. checking the aim of the golfer with the custom madeputter.
 14. The fitting method as defined in claim 13 wherein step g.includes the use of a laser aiming device.
 15. The fitting method asdefined in claim 13 further including: h. adjusting the position of thegolfer's feet with respect to the position of the golf ball so that thegolfer's putting stroke with said custom made putter begins between saidtarget line and the golfer and ends between said target line and thegolfer.
 16. The fitting method as defined in claim 15 further including:i. adjusting the offset of the ball-striking face portion of hte putterhead from the long axis of the shaft.
 17. The fitting method as definedin claim 16 further including: j. adjusting the loft angle of theball-striking face portion of the putter head.
 18. The fitting method asdefined in claim 17 further including: k. adjusting the balance of theputter head off horizontal.
 19. A fitting method used to create a custommade putter suited to the physiology of an individual golfer, saidfitting method comprising the steps of: a. using a laser aiming deviceto determine if an individual golfer's aim is to the left or to theright of a target line between the position of the ball and the hole; b.using an adjustable fitting putter to determine the shaft length of aputter suited to the individual golfer; c. using an adjustable fittingputter to measure the lie angle of a putter suited to the individualgolfer; d. using a laser aiming device to check the aim of the golferwith a custom made putter.
 20. The fitting method as defined in claim 19further including: e. adjusting the position of the golfer's feet withrespect to the position of the golf ball so that the golfer's puttingstroke with said custom made putter begins between said target line andthe golfer and ends between said target line and the golfer.
 21. Thefitting method as defined in claim 19 wherein the following three stepsare interposed between steps c. and d. individual golfer.